In 1984, Bobby Joe Long kidnapped, raped, and murdered at least 10 women in the Tampa Bay area. He is believed to have raped at least 50 women.

He was already on probation for assault when he started cruising areas known for prostitution as well as various bars where women might be found alone. Long said his victims approached him and he persuaded him to enter the car. In the Biography episode I watched, he very frankly talked about subduing and threatening the women in the car, and then taking them back to his apartment. He bound the women with rope and proceeded to sadistically rape and torture them before finally killing. Some he strangled, some he bludgeoned, while he cut the throats of others. Every body was displayed with its legs splayed several feet apart at odd angles. Bobby Joe Long is known to have killed five prostitutes, two exotic dancers, a factory worker, a student, and a woman of unknown occupation.

As I watched Long, I was reminded of Ted Bundy, the most charming serial killer of all. Bobby was a pleasant, round faced guy with an easy smile and conversational way of speaking–all while he was telling the story of his vicious murder spree. He knew what he did was wrong, and he wasn’t trying to excuse himself. But he also made it clear that during the time of the murders, the women he killed all showed themselves as morally corrupt, and he really didn’t think their lives were worth much at all.

Again, he told all of this as though he were recounting an adventure, and it was that attitude that chilled me to the bone.

One incredibly brave woman brought Bobby Joe to his end. On her way home from work on November 3, 1984, Lisa McVey was snatched off her bike by someone hiding in the bushes. He had a gun, and quickly blindfolded her and forced her into his car.

Lisa begged him not to hurt her and told him she would do whatever he wanted.  He kept her for 26 hours, repeatedly raping her and even making her shower with him. He told her several times he didn’t want to hurt her. 

During her ordeal, Lisa paid attention to her surroundings. In the car, she managed to peer under the blindfold for a look at the car’s interior. At his apartment, she saw the white stucco building and red steps.

Although the man insisted that she keep her eyes shut as he abused her, she managed to get a look at her surroundings. She also dropped a barrette next to the bed, unnoticed, to prove that she had been there. Inside, she managed to drop a barrette next to the bed to prove she’d been there.

After raping her again, Bobby Joe dozed off. Lisa didn’t try to flee, and when Bobby woke up, he said he trusted her. He stopped referring to her as bitch and called her babe. He said he wished he could keep her, and she even told him she’d stay, be his girlfriend.

He eventually took her back to the car and drove away. He stopped, told her to get out and to take care.

Bobby Joe Long was arrested on November 16, 1984, and he wasn’t surprised. He’d known letting Lisa go was the beginning of the end for him, but he never really explained why he chose to do it.

Like Bundy, Bobby had a personality that engaged law enforcement, and he was often seen chatting and joking with him. But beneath that was quick temper, and several involved with the trial saw him morph into a monster on more than one occasion.

Seeing the killer speak was a reminder of the many masks these people can wear and the complexity of their dark personalities. What makes these psychopaths monsters is not only their heinous crimes, but their ability to blend seamlessly back into society after they have washed the blood off their hands.

Bobby Joe Long is currently on death row in Florida.